The family of pandemic fundraiser Captain Sir Tom Moore has come under scrutiny for benefiting financially from connections to a charity established in his honor. According to a report by the Charity Commission, Captain Tom’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, and her husband Colin engaged in repeated instances of misconduct, resulting in them being banned from serving as charity trustees. The 30-page report highlighted several failings, including misleading statements and the misappropriation of funds.
One of the key findings of the report was that Mrs. Ingram-Moore made “disingenuous” statements about not being offered a six-figure sum to become the charity’s chief executive. While she claimed she had not been offered this amount, evidence showed that she had expectations of a £150,000 remuneration package. Additionally, there was a misleading implication that proceeds from book sales would benefit the charity, when in reality, an advance of nearly £1.5 million was paid to a company owned by the Ingram-Moores for a book deal.
Furthermore, Mrs. Ingram-Moore received payment for an appearance at an awards ceremony, which she falsely claimed was done in a personal capacity. The Charity Commission found no evidence to support this claim and noted that only a fraction of the payment was donated to the charity. The couple also used the foundation’s name in a planning application for a spa pool block at their home, which was later demolished following a council order.
The Charity Commission launched an inquiry into the foundation’s management and independence from Sir Tom’s family in response to concerns raised in 2021. The findings of the report led to the ban on both Mr. and Mrs. Ingram-Moore from holding trustee positions or senior management roles in charities in England and Wales. The commission’s chief executive highlighted the repeated failures of governance and integrity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear boundary between personal interests and charitable responsibilities.
Despite the findings, the foundation has not been instructed to close, but there are indications that it may shut down voluntarily. The Ingram-Moores have contested the commission’s inquiry, claiming transparency and dedication to upholding Captain Sir Tom’s legacy. They deny any misappropriation of funds or unauthorized payments from the charity’s accounts. The report underscores the need for accountability and transparency in charitable organizations and the importance of adhering to ethical standards in fundraising and governance.